Ponani Makhubelein MK green regalia.
Former ANC Member of Parliament Ponani Makhubele has announced her decision to join the Umkhonto We Sizwe (MK) Party, citing prolonged exclusion within the ANC.
Her move underscores internal conflicts within the ruling party and could foreshadow further high-profile defections.
The MK Party, led by a former ANC and national president Jacob Zuma, has recently gained ground, becoming the majority party in KwaZulu-Natal and the official opposition in the National Assembly after the May 29 elections. However, its presence in Limpopo remains limited to a single seat in the provincial legislature.
The ANC has yet to officially respond to Ponani’s departure, but concerns are growing about more members possibly following suit.
Ponani, a 28-year ANC veteran, held several key positions, including roles in the Young Communist League and ANC Youth League at both provincial and regional levels. She also served as Chairperson of the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) in Greater Giyani and as Deputy Chairperson of the Provincial MPAC Forum.
Her determination was evident when she overcame challenges to enter Parliament in 2011.
In an interview, Ponani revealed that repeated instances of exclusion in 2016, 2019, and 2024 pushed her to leave the ANC. “I’ve been sidelined in critical discussions for years,” she stated. “This decision wasn’t taken lightly; it’s a reflection of broader dissatisfaction with the ANC’s current operations.”
The MK Party, founded by former members of the ANC’s military wing, aims to revive the original liberation goals of equality and justice. Ponani’s switch signals her endorsement of the party’s focus on reform and accountability, aligning herself with other former ANC members now critical of the current leadership under President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Political analyst Khaya Sithole believes Ponani’s departure could trigger a wave of exits from the ANC if the leadership doesn’t address internal grievances swiftly. “The ANC is at a critical juncture,” he warned. “Engagement with discontented members is essential to prevent fragmentation that could erode its political dominance.”
Ponani insists her decision is not for personal gain but to continue as a committed volunteer, just as she joined the ANC. She criticised the ANC for prioritising loyalty to leadership over the organisation itself, claiming she was targeted for placing the party’s principles above individual leaders.
Her defection to the MK Party could significantly impact South Africa’s political dynamics, especially with upcoming elections.
Ponani’s call for disillusioned ANC members to join a party she believes can better serve the nation presents a serious challenge to the ANC’s unity and voter support, more especially in Limpopo.
Meanwhile, the MK Party is gaining momentum, positioning itself as a formidable force in South African politics.
Pappa Penny and Ponani Makhubele wield spears.
When her blood was still black, green and gold, Ponani Makhubele.
The honorable ANC MP, Ponani Makhubele.
Ponani Makhubele during students protests